William & Kate Make Like Bond in Buckingham Palace Getaway

New groom gallantly squires his bride back to St. James's Palace during lull in day's receptions by getting behind the wheel of a decked-out Aston Martin with some curious accessories

By Gina Serpe Apr 29, 2011 6:08 PMTags
Prince William, Kate MiddletonPascal Le Segretain/Getty Images; Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Talk about the king of the road.

At roughly 3:35 p.m. (right on schedule!), after celebrating the first of three receptions at Buckingham Palace today, newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton swapped their open-air carriage for a vintage, Seychelles blue (hang on, is that a honeymoon clue?!) Aston Martin DB6 convertible as they made their way back to St. James's Palace for a well-deserved, however brief, respite.

Keeping with the duo's DIY attitude, there were no chauffeurs or ride-along bodyguards for their quick cross-Mall jaunt—just a giddy young husband driving home his beaming new bride.

And just when we thought it couldn't get any cuter, we caught a glimpse of the rear license plate: "JU5T WED." But what about that red, heart-surrounded "L" on the front of their ride? What could that possibly stand for?

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Love? Loyalty? Lasting marriage? Lord thank you it's almost over?

Even better: That emblazoned "L" stands for "learner's permit." Which means William may be an heir to the throne, but you still don't want to get stuck behind him in traffic.

"It was Prince William's idea to drive his new bride away from the official reception on their first journey as a married couple to his family home," a spokesman for the royal family said.

As for the rest of the car—which was a 21st birthday gift to Prince Charles from his mother Queen Elizabeth—British patriotism once again reared its decorum-loving head, as red, white and blue ribbons were tied to the bonnet (that's the hood for us Yanks) of the vehicle. Heart-shaped balloons, said to be tied on by Prince Harry and other family and friends, as well as balloons bearing the initials "W" and "C" were also attached to the rear of the car. (What? You expected them to go the tin can route?)

For the ride back to St. James's, Will changed out of his comely scarlet red uniform into more comfortable clothes (not Kate, she's rightfully getting every minute she can out of that dress). As orchestrated with military precision as the day needed to be, there was one event not on the itinerary for the couple that transpired as they left the palace grounds.

As a surprise for the duo, Wills' Royal Air Force compatriots timed their departure to match up with an RAF yellow rescue Sea King helicopter flying overhead.

The duo will rest up at St. James's before making the short trip back to Buckingham Palace around 7 p.m. London time, when they will appear at a dinner-dance reception hosted by Prince Charles. Their car ride back will likely mark their final appearance of the day. So fashionistas, keep watch. Looks like there's gonna be another wedding outfit on the way!